Apparatus and method for integrating perception and communication

Abstract

The invention relates to optical wireless communication. An optical signal transmitter for transmitting a mixed optical signal is provided. The hybrid optical signal includes low rate auxiliary information and high rate data. The low rate assistance information includes a transmitter ID. The high rate data is carried by a high frequency optical signal. The low-rate auxiliary information is carried by a low-frequency on-off mode during transmission of the high-frequency optical signal. In each turn-on period, the transmitter transmits the high-frequency optical signal; and in each disconnection period, the transmitter stops transmitting the high-frequency optical signal. In this way, an image sensor in a corresponding optical signal receiver can detect and decode the on-off mode. The receiver may be aware of the transmitter ID and may associate the transmitter ID with the location of the corresponding transmitter. In this way, perceptual and optical wireless communications can be achieved through a single mixed signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of wireless communications. For example, the present disclosure provides optical devices and methods for optical wireless communications (OWC), wherein the OWC may be integrated sensing and communications with optical wireless (ISAC-OW). Background Art

[0002] In the next generation of wireless communication technologies, such as the sixth generation (6G) wireless network, the sensing function and the communication function can be integrated. In the high frequency band, in addition to millimeter wave (mmWave), 6G can also utilize terahertz (THz) and even the spectrum.

[0003] ISAC-OW technology can be integrated into existing lighting and light display systems, for example, making every lamp and every screen part of the ISAC-OW system. Because ISAC-OW has an ultra-high communication bandwidth, it is also possible to achieve ultra-high throughput. In addition, ISAC-OW also has an almost unlimited spectrum. Due to the differences between the light spectrum and the traditional electromagnetic spectrum, there is no mutual electromagnetic interference between optical wireless (OW) devices and traditional radio frequency (RF) devices. ISAC-OW is particularly suitable for environments that are sensitive to electromagnetic radiation, such as smart medical care, aviation, and industrial manufacturing. In addition, ISAC-OW can also enhance information security and is anti-eavesdropping and anti-interference. ISAC-OW is also suitable for wireless charging.

[0004] The microwave or submicron wavelengths of the spectrum can achieve high-precision positioning and high-resolution imaging. Combined with the response of matter to the characteristics of light waves, more precise and accurate health perception and monitoring can be achieved. Summary of the invention

[0005] In traditional ISAC-OW networks, it is still unclear how to coordinate high-speed data transmission and high-precision positioning. The light detector in the OW-AP (e.g., a photodiode (PD) mainly used for communication) can receive optical signals with high data rates. However, the light detector cannot sense the position of an object (e.g., a terminal) with high accuracy or reliability. In contrast, the image sensor of the OW sensor or the calibration system of the stereo / multi-image sensor mainly used for OW perception can sense the object with high accuracy. However, the frame rate of the image sensor (e.g., due to hardware limitations) is usually limited (and / or fixed), so it is impossible to correctly capture optical signals with high data rates (or bandwidths). Typically, OW perception and communication are regarded as independent applications and are provided by traditional technical solutions respectively. However, the location information of the terminal, especially the angle information of the terminal (or more specifically, the angle information of the communication component in the terminal), is crucial to establish and / or maintain high-speed data transmission through high-reliability methods such as beam-based optical wireless communication and beam-based RF communication. That is, it is necessary to send (or sense) the identification and location information of the terminal in a timely manner. The angle information of the terminal may include one or more angles of the terminal position relative to the position of the image sensor. For example, the one or more angles may include one or more of a yaw angle, a pitch angle, and a roll angle. In some cases, the angle information may be represented using a polar coordinate system. In the present disclosure, OW perception may be referred to as device (or terminal) identification and positioning.

[0006] In summary, the present disclosure is generally intended to achieve a unified ISAC-OW network architecture. For example, one purpose is to provide a unified signal modulation technology solution that can simultaneously achieve OW perception and communication. Another purpose may be to enable a modulated signal to be sent by a single optical component (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) or a superluminescent diode (SLD)) and to be captured (or detected) by both a high-speed data receiver (e.g., a PD) and a perception receiver (e.g., an image sensor).

[0007] These and other objects are achieved by the present disclosure, for example, as described in the independent claims. Advantageous implementations are further described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The first aspect of the present disclosure provides an optical signal transmitter for an optical wireless communication system. In the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the optical signal transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter, or a terminal may be used as an example. Similarly, the optical signal receiver in the present disclosure may be referred to as a receiver, or an AP may be used as an example.

[0009] The transmitter is used to send (for example, to a receiver) a high-frequency optical signal carrying high-rate data at a first frequency. In order to send the high-frequency optical signal, the optical signal transmitter is used to determine an on-off pattern including a plurality of on periods and a plurality of off periods at a second frequency. The transmitter is used to: send the high-frequency optical signal during the on period; and suspend sending the high-frequency optical signal during the off period. The first frequency is higher than the second frequency. The on-off pattern represents a low-frequency signal carrying low-rate auxiliary information, and the auxiliary information includes an identification of the transmitter.

[0010] The term "suspend transmission" may be understood as "not to transmit" or "stop transmitting..." The term "represent" in this document may be understood as "characterize" or "encode as". The term "carry" in this document may be understood as "modulate using...".

[0011] In this way, a single optical signal transmitter can use hybrid optical signals for high-speed optical wireless communication and sensing. In addition, optical wireless sensing and communication can be unified into a single system, and there is no need to equip separate systems with redundant components for OW sensing and communication.

[0012] In an implementation manner of the first aspect, the auxiliary information may include one or more of the following:

[0013] motion-related information of the transmitter;

[0014] Encryption key information of the transmitter;

[0015] Resource request.

[0016] Optionally, the motion-related information may include the speed and / or direction of movement of the transmitter. This may be used to improve perception (eg, positioning) and communication performance.

[0017] Optionally, the encryption key information may include a public key of the sender. The public key corresponds to a private key, and the private key is known only to the sender. After obtaining the public key, the receiver can perform encryption according to the public key. For example, the communication channel from the receiver to the sender can be encrypted using the public key. The sender can decrypt the data using the corresponding private key. In this way, communication encryption can be achieved, and the security level of OW communication can be improved.

[0018] Optionally, the resource request may be used to indicate subsequent (or future) uplink data transmission, for example, data to be sent in an uplink channel (e.g., time-frequency resources). The subsequent uplink data may be part of the high-rate data. In this way, the receiver may obtain the subsequent data according to the resource request. In this way, the transmitter may flexibly and autonomously arrange resources to send high-rate data.

[0019] In an implementation manner of the first aspect, the transmitter may also be configured to adjust the second frequency to adapt to a sampling rate of an image sensor in an optical signal receiver that receives the high-frequency optical signal.

[0020] Optionally, the sampling rate of the image sensor in the optical signal receiver (hereinafter referred to as "the sampling rate of the receiver") may be notified to the transmitter in advance. For example, the sampling rate of the receiver may be specified in a standard or specification followed by the transmitter and the receiver. Alternatively, the receiver may send information about the sampling rate to the transmitter in advance. For another example, the sampling rate may be preset in the transmitter, for example, manually input by a user who knows the sampling rate of the receiver.

[0021] In an implementation of the first aspect, the transmitter may be further configured to: transmit one or more dummy optical signals when no high-rate data is transmitted during one or more of the on-periods.

[0022] Optionally, the virtual optical signal may be at the same frequency (ie, the first frequency) as the high-frequency optical signal. The virtual optical signal may be used only for filling and does not carry any meaningful data.

[0023] The term "when" in this document should be understood as "within a period of time".

[0024] Optionally, during at least one on-period of the plurality of on-periods, the transmitter may be configured to transmit a combination of the high frequency optical signal and the one or more virtual optical signals.

[0025] In this way, even when there is not enough high-rate data to be sent, the low-frequency signal can still be correctly represented by the on-off pattern.

[0026] In an implementation manner of the first aspect, the high-frequency optical signal may also carry a copy of the auxiliary information.

[0027] Optionally, a copy of the auxiliary information can be used for verification and / or recovery when necessary. In this way, the reliability of the auxiliary information transmission can be improved.

[0028] In an implementation manner of the first aspect, the transmitter may be further configured to modulate the auxiliary information according to the on-off pattern.

[0029] Optionally, any modulation based on an on-off pattern may be employed, such as but not limited to: on-off keying, pulse position modulation, color shift keying.

[0030] In an implementation of the first aspect, the transmitter may be configured to transmit more than one high-frequency optical signal using carriers of different wavelengths, wherein the carriers of different wavelengths correspond to different on-off modes.

[0031] In an implementation manner of the first aspect, the transmitter may be an optical wireless terminal or at least a part of the optical wireless terminal.

[0032] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides an optical signal receiver for an optical wireless communication system. The optical signal receiver includes at least one photodetector and at least one image sensor.

[0033] The image sensor is used to detect a high-frequency optical signal emitted from an optical signal transmitter, and determine an on-off pattern including a plurality of on periods and a plurality of off periods at a second frequency by: successfully detecting the high-frequency optical signal during the plurality of on periods, and not detecting the high-frequency optical signal during the plurality of off periods;

[0034] The image sensor is used to acquire a low-frequency signal carrying low-rate auxiliary information according to the on-off mode, acquire an identifier of the optical signal transmitter included in the auxiliary information, and acquire position information of the optical signal transmitter.

[0035] The optical detector is used to receive the high-frequency optical signal sent at a first frequency according to the identification and the position information of the optical signal transmitter. The first frequency is higher than the second frequency.

[0036] Optionally, the image sensor may be with or without an optical lens. In the case where the image sensor is equipped with an optical lens, various optical lenses may be used, such as but not limited to: wide-angle lenses, standard lenses, and telephoto lenses for sensing different ranges, angles, and objects. Optionally, the optical lens may change the focal length to focus on the tracked (sensed) object.

[0037] The receiver provided by the present disclosure can obtain the identification of the optical signal transmitter and receive high-speed data according to the same optical wireless signal. The same optical wireless signal is also used for perception. In this way, perception and high-speed communication can be unified to simplify the system architecture. In addition, the receiver can use the transmitter location (location / position) associated with the transmitter's identification to enhance beam tracking and power control. In this way, communication performance can be improved.

[0038] In an implementation manner of the second aspect, the optical signal receiver may also be used to obtain motion-related information of the optical signal transmitter included in the auxiliary information.

[0039] In this way, the optical signal receiver can improve the positioning accuracy of the moving optical signal transmitter.

[0040] In an implementation manner of the second aspect, the optical signal receiver may also be configured to obtain encryption key information included in the auxiliary information, and perform encryption according to the encryption key information.

[0041] Optionally, the encryption key information includes a public key of the sender. The receiver can also be used to encrypt data sent by the receiver to the sender using the public key. The sender has a corresponding private key for decryption. In this way, encrypted communication can be achieved and the security level of communication can be improved.

[0042] In an implementation manner of the second aspect, the optical signal receiver may also be used to obtain a resource request included in the auxiliary information, and receive other data according to the resource request.

[0043] Optionally, the resource request is used to indicate subsequent (or future) uplink data transmission, for example, data to be sent in an uplink channel (e.g., time-frequency resources). The subsequent uplink data may be part of the high-rate data. In this way, the receiver can obtain the subsequent data according to the resource request. In this way, the transmitter can flexibly arrange resources to send high-rate data.

[0044] In an implementation manner of the second aspect, the optical signal receiver may be configured to determine the second frequency according to a sampling rate of the image sensor.

[0045] Optionally, the second frequency may be less than or equal to half the sampling rate.

[0046] In an implementation of the second aspect, the image sensor may also be used to capture sensory data associated with the high-frequency light signal. The optical signal receiver may also be used to obtain the position information of the optical signal transmitter according to the sensory data, and associate the determined position information with the identifier of the optical signal transmitter. The optical detector is used to further receive the high-frequency light signal according to the determined position information of the optical signal transmitter.

[0047] In an implementation manner of the second aspect, the optical signal receiver may also be used to determine a pixel area in the image sensor that receives the auxiliary information, and further determine the position information of the optical signal transmitter based on the pixel area.

[0048] In an implementation manner of the second aspect, the optical signal receiver may also be used to:

[0049] Acquire distance and / or depth information of the optical signal transmitter from the image sensor;

[0050] The position of the optical signal transmitter is further determined according to the distance and / or the depth information.

[0051] In an implementation manner of the second aspect, the optical signal receiver may be an optical wireless access point.

[0052] Optionally, the optical signal receiver may have both OW sensing and at least optical communication functions. For example, the optical signal receiver may also have RF communication functions.

[0053] More generally, the optical signal receiver may include at least a network device for an optical wireless network (or referred to as an "OW network device"). For example, the optical signal receiver may include distributed components (e.g., light detectors, image sensors, APs, and / or any processing units) deployed on the network side of the optical wireless network.

[0054] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for sending a high-frequency optical signal in an optical wireless communication system (or optical wireless network). The high-frequency optical signal carries high-rate data at a first frequency. In order to send the high-frequency optical signal, the method comprises the following steps:

[0055] The optical signal transmitter determines an on-off pattern including a plurality of on periods and a plurality of off periods at a second frequency;

[0056] The optical signal transmitter transmits the high-frequency optical signal during the on-period;

[0057] The optical signal transmitter suspends transmission of the high-frequency optical signal during the disconnection period.

[0058] The first frequency is higher than the second frequency. The on-off pattern represents a low frequency signal carrying low rate auxiliary information, the auxiliary information including an identification of the optical signal transmitter.

[0059] In an implementation manner of the third aspect, the auxiliary information may include one or more of the following:

[0060] motion-related information of the transmitter;

[0061] Encryption key information of the transmitter;

[0062] Resource request.

[0063] In an implementation manner of the third aspect, the method may further include: the optical signal transmitter adjusting the second frequency to adapt to a sampling rate of an image sensor in an optical signal receiver that receives the high-frequency optical signal.

[0064] In an implementation manner of the third aspect, the method may further include: when no high-rate data is sent during one or more of the on-periods, the optical signal transmitter sending one or more virtual optical signals.

[0065] In an implementation manner of the third aspect, the high-frequency optical signal may also carry a copy of the auxiliary information.

[0066] In an implementation manner of the third aspect, the method may further include: the optical signal transmitter modulating the auxiliary information according to the on-off pattern.

[0067] In an implementation of the third aspect, the method may further include: the optical signal transmitter uses carriers of different wavelengths to transmit more than one high-frequency optical signal. The carriers of different wavelengths correspond to different on-off modes.

[0068] In an implementation manner of the third aspect, the optical signal transmitter may be an optical wireless terminal or at least a part of the optical wireless terminal.

[0069] The method of the third aspect and its implementation can achieve the same advantages and effects as the optical signal transmitter of the first aspect and its implementation.

[0070] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for receiving a high-frequency optical signal in an optical wireless communication system. The method comprises the following steps:

[0071] At least one image sensor in the optical signal receiver detects the high frequency optical signal emitted from the optical signal transmitter;

[0072] The at least one image sensor in the optical signal receiver determines an on-off pattern including a plurality of on periods and a plurality of off periods at a second frequency by: successfully detecting the high frequency optical signal during the plurality of on periods, and not detecting the high frequency optical signal during the plurality of off periods;

[0073] The optical signal receiver acquires a low-frequency signal carrying low-rate auxiliary information according to the on-off pattern;

[0074] The optical signal receiver obtains the identifier of the optical signal transmitter included in the auxiliary information;

[0075] At least one optical detector in the optical signal receiver receives the high-frequency optical signal transmitted at a first frequency according to the identifier of the optical signal transmitter.

[0076] The first frequency is higher than the second frequency.

[0077] In an implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the method may further include: the optical signal receiver acquiring, the motion-related information of the optical signal transmitter included in the auxiliary information.

[0078] In an implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the method may further include:

[0079] The optical signal receiver acquires the encryption key information included in the auxiliary information;

[0080] The optical signal receiver performs encryption based on the encryption key information.

[0081] In an implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the method may further include:

[0082] The optical signal receiver obtains a resource request included in the auxiliary information;

[0083] The optical signal receiver receives other data according to the resource request.

[0084] In an implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the method may further include: the optical signal receiver determining the second frequency according to a sampling rate of the image sensor.

[0085] In an implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the method may further include:

[0086] The image sensor captures sensory data associated with the high frequency light signal;

[0087] The optical signal receiver acquires the position information of the optical signal transmitter according to the sensing data;

[0088] The optical signal receiver associates the determined position with the identification of the optical signal transmitter;

[0089] The optical detector further receives the high frequency optical signal according to the determined position of the optical signal transmitter.

[0090] In an implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the method may further include:

[0091] The optical signal receiver determines a pixel area in the image sensor that receives the auxiliary information;

[0092] The optical signal receiver further determines the position of the optical signal transmitter according to the pixel area.

[0093] In an implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the method may further include:

[0094] The optical signal receiver acquires the distance and / or depth information of the optical signal transmitter from the image sensor;

[0095] The optical signal receiver further determines the position of the optical signal transmitter according to the distance and / or the depth information.

[0096] In an implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the optical signal receiver may be an optical wireless access point.

[0097] The method of the fourth aspect and its implementation can achieve the same advantages and effects as the optical signal receiver of the second aspect and its implementation.

[0098] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides a system, comprising at least one optical signal transmitter according to the first aspect or any implementation thereof and at least one optical signal receiver according to the second aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0099] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer program product comprising instructions. When the program is executed by a computer, the instructions cause the computer to perform the method according to the third aspect or any implementation manner thereof.

[0100] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-transitory storage medium storing executable program code. When the executable program code is executed by a processor, the method according to the third aspect or any implementation thereof is performed.

[0101] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure provides a chipset comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory and the processor are used to store and execute program code to perform the method according to the third aspect or any implementation manner thereof.

[0102] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer program product comprising instructions, and when the program is executed by a computer, the instructions cause the computer to perform the method according to the fourth aspect or any implementation manner thereof.

[0103] The tenth aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-transitory storage medium storing executable program code. When the executable program code is executed by a processor, the method according to the fourth aspect or any implementation thereof is executed.

[0104] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a chipset comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory and the processor are used to store and execute program codes to execute the method according to the fourth aspect or any implementation manner thereof.

[0105] It should be noted that all devices, elements, units and components described in this disclosure can be implemented in software or hardware elements or any type of combination thereof. All steps performed by various entities described in this application and the functions described to be performed by various entities are intended to indicate that each entity is suitable for or used to perform respective steps and functions. Although in the following description, the specific functions or steps performed by external entities are not reflected in the description of the specific detailed elements of the entity performing the specific steps or functions, it should be clear to the technician that these methods and functions can be implemented by corresponding software or hardware elements or any combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0106] The above aspects and various implementations are described in the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0107] Figure 1 An example of a mixed signal provided by the present disclosure is shown;

[0108] Figure 2 Another example of a mixed signal provided by the present disclosure is shown;

[0109] Figure 3 An example of an optical signal transmitter and an optical signal receiver provided by the present disclosure is shown;

[0110] Figure 4 An example of an optical signal transmitter provided by the present disclosure is shown;

[0111] Figure 5 An example of an optical signal receiver provided by the present disclosure is shown;

[0112] Figure 6 An example of a system provided by the present disclosure is shown;

[0113] Figure 7 The RF antenna array provided by the present disclosure is shown;

[0114] Figure 8 An application scenario of the present disclosure is shown;

[0115] Fig. 9 A diagram showing a method provided by the present disclosure is shown;

[0116] Fig.10 A diagram of another method provided by the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0117] Figure 1 An example of a mixed signal 101 (sent by an optical signal transmitter) provided by the present disclosure is shown. Accordingly, the mixed signal 101 is received by an optical signal receiver provided by the present disclosure.

[0118] The optical signal transmitter is used to send a high-frequency optical signal 103 to be sent carrying high-rate data at a first frequency to an optical signal receiver. In order to send the high-frequency optical signal 103 to be sent, the optical signal transmitter is used to determine an on-off pattern including multiple on periods and multiple off periods at a second frequency. The on-off pattern represents a low-frequency signal 102 carrying low-rate auxiliary information 104. It should be noted that the data rate of the low-rate auxiliary information 104 is lower than the data rate of the high-rate data. The term "represent" in this article can be understood as "encoded as". The term "carry" in this article can be understood as "modulated using...". High-rate data can be referred to as user-related data to be transmitted between the optical signal transmitter and the receiver, and can also be referred to as any OW communication data. User-related data can be, for example but not limited to, user-generated data or application data intended to be sent to the user.

[0119] The optical signal transmitter is used to transmit the high-frequency optical signal 103 during the on period (or during each on period in the on period); and to suspend the transmission of the high-frequency optical signal 103 during the off period (or during each off period in the off period). Figure 3 In the figure, the high-frequency optical signal 103 is schematically illustrated as the high-frequency optical signal 103 to be transmitted (or simply referred to as the high-frequency signal 103). The optical signal transmitter transmits the high-frequency signal 103 to be transmitted in each on-period, and the optical signal transmitter does not transmit the high-frequency signal 103 to be transmitted in each off-period. Therefore, the high-frequency optical signal 103 to be transmitted can be transmitted in segments as segmented high-frequency optical signals 103A, 103B, and the segmented high-frequency optical signals 103A, 103B are parts of the high-frequency optical signal 103 to be transmitted. In this way, the optical signal transmitter is used to transmit a mixed signal 101 including low-rate auxiliary information 104 and high-rate data. The low-rate auxiliary information 104 is carried by the on-off pattern (or envelope) of the mixed signal, and the high-speed data is carried by the high-frequency optical signals 103A, 103B transmitted in each on-period.

[0120] In order to control the on-period and the off-period, the optical signal transmitter can be used to implement the on-off mode using any method known in the art. For example, in the case where the optical signal transmitter may include a lighting unit for transmitting high-speed data using an optical signal of a first frequency, the optical signal transmitter can be used to turn on the lighting unit during each on-period and (temporarily) turn off the lighting during each off-period. It should be noted that, as an alternative to turning off the lighting during each off-period, the optical signal transmitter can be used to dim the lighting to below a certain threshold during each off-period.

[0121] A plurality of on-periods and off-periods at the second frequency constitute an on-off pattern or envelope of the optical signal transmitted by the transmitter. The on-off pattern can be used to carry information. The first frequency is higher than the second frequency. The first frequency can be any frequency at which optical wireless communication can operate. For example, the first frequency can be within the range of infrared (IR), visible light, or ultraviolet (UV). In the present disclosure, the on-off pattern represents (or characterizes) the low-frequency signal 102. The low frequency (second frequency) of the low-frequency signal 102 can correspond to the second frequency. The duration of each on-period and each off-period can be the same, for example, equal to T_s. The low frequency can be equal to 1 / T_s.

[0122] The low-frequency signal 102 is used to carry auxiliary information 104. The low frequency of the low-frequency signal 102 can be adjusted to match the sampling rate (or frame rate) of the image sensor in the optical signal receiver so that it can be detected by the image sensor. For example, according to the Nyquist sampling criterion, the low frequency can be less than or equal to half of the sampling rate, so that the auxiliary information 104 carried by the low-frequency signal 102 can be correctly recovered (decoded). For example, the sampling rate of the image sensor can typically be as high as thousands of frames per second (FPS). However, it should be noted that the frame rate may depend on the hardware capabilities of the image sensor, and the sampling rate should not be limited to the values ​​or ranges given in the present disclosure. Any suitable image sensor can be used, which can include consumer-grade image sensors (which can provide up to 240FPS) and high-frame-rate industrial-grade image sensors (e.g., high-speed image sensors).

[0123] The low frequency may be specified in a standard or technical specification adopted by the optical signal transmitter and the receiver. That is, the low frequency (or a possible list of selected low frequencies) may be predetermined or preset between the optical signal transmitter and the receiver. Alternatively, the optical receiver may send indication information about the low frequency to each connectable optical signal transmitter (including the optical signal transmitter) in a downlink channel (or broadcast channel).

[0124] The auxiliary information 104 includes an ID (e.g., a MAC / IP address, a hardware number, or a serial number) of the optical signal transmitter (hereinafter referred to as a transmitter ID or a terminal ID). The transmitter ID can be used to uniquely identify an optical signal transmitter in an optical wireless communication system. In the present disclosure, any unique value that can be used to uniquely identify an optical signal transmitter can be used as a transmitter ID.

[0125] In the present disclosure, the optical signal transmitter may be an optical wireless terminal, and the optical signal receiver may be at least a part of an optical wireless network device, for example, an optical wireless access point (AP) integrated with at least one image sensor. The term "integrated" herein may be understood as meaning that the optical AP may include an image sensor as an internal unit, or that the optical AP is connected to the image sensor (for example, via a wired connection or a wireless connection). In the present disclosure, for example, the optical signal transmitter may be referred to as a terminal, and the optical signal receiver may be referred to as an AP, or, for example, an OW AP.

[0126] Optionally, the auxiliary information 104 may also include one or more of the following information:

[0127] Information about the motion of the optical signal transmitter (e.g., speed and / or direction of movement) can be used to improve perception (e.g., positioning) and communication performance;

[0128] The encryption key information (e.g., the public key of the optical signal transmitter) may be used to encrypt data sent by the optical signal receiver to the optical signal transmitter (e.g., downlink data from the OW AP to the terminal);

[0129] The resource request may be used to indicate subsequent (or future) uplink data transmission, for example, data to be sent in an uplink channel (eg, time-frequency resources).

[0130] Optionally, the high-rate data may include auxiliary information as a copy, which may improve the reliability of auxiliary information transmission. The auxiliary information included in the high-rate data as a copy may be used for verification, authentication and / or recovery.

[0131] The optical signal transmitter can also be used to modulate the auxiliary information according to the on-off mode. Any suitable modulation scheme that can achieve the on-off mode can be used, such as but not limited to: amplitude modulation (AM), amplitude-shift keying (ASK) and pulse modulation. For example, any modulation based on light intensity can be used, such as on-off keying modulation or variable pulse position modulation (VPPM). For example, in the case of multiple carriers, color shift keying can also be used.

[0132] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a hybrid optical signal 101. The hybrid optical signal 101 includes a plurality of on-periods and a plurality of off-periods at a second frequency. Each on-period includes at least a portion of a high-frequency optical signal at a first frequency; each off-period does not include the high-frequency optical signal or any portion thereof. The high-frequency optical signal carries high-rate data. The plurality of on-periods and the plurality of off-periods constitute an on-off pattern at the second frequency. The first frequency is higher than the second frequency. The on-off pattern (or envelope) of the hybrid optical signal 101 represents a low-frequency signal. The low-frequency signal carries low-rate auxiliary information (e.g., modulated using the low-rate auxiliary information), the auxiliary information including an identification of an optical signal transmitter that transmits the hybrid optical signal.

[0133] In this way, a hybrid signal (i.e., a single OW signal sent by a single transmitter) can be used for high-speed OW communication and sensing. Therefore, the efficiency and simplicity of OW communication can be improved. No additional / separate signaling is required between the optical signal transmitter and the receiver for sensing.

[0134] Figure 2 Another example of the mixed signal (sent by the optical signal transmitter) provided by the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The corresponding elements in may have the same features and functions.

[0135] exist Figure 2 In each on-period, the optical signal transmitter can be used to send one or more virtual signals when there is no high-rate data to send. It should be noted that the term "when..." in this article should be understood as "within a period of time". In this way, the auxiliary information can be sent correctly.

[0136] It should be noted that, in at least one on-period among the multiple on-periods, the transmitter may be used to send a combination of a high-frequency optical signal and one or more virtual optical signals.

[0137] Figure 3 An example of an optical signal transmitter 310 and an optical signal receiver 330 provided by the present disclosure is shown. Figures 1 to 3 The corresponding elements in may have the same features and functions.

[0138] Figure 3 The optical signal transmitter 310 in may be a movable (or mobile) terminal. Figure 3 The optical signal receiver 330 in the embodiment may be an OW AP. The optical signal transmitter 310 is used to transmit the mixed optical signal 301, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2In the present disclosure, an uplink channel refers to a communication channel for transmitting data from an optical signal transmitter 310 to an optical signal receiver 330 ; a downlink channel refers to a communication channel for transmitting data from an optical signal receiver 330 to an optical signal transmitter 310 .

[0139] The optical signal receiver 330 is used to receive a mixed optical signal 301, for example, in an uplink channel. The mixed optical signal 301 includes low-rate auxiliary information carried in a low-frequency signal and high-rate data carried in a high-frequency signal. The low-frequency signal is represented by an on-off pattern (or envelope) 302 of the mixed signal 301; the high-frequency signal is a signal 303 received by the optical signal transmitter 310 in each on period.

[0140] The optical signal receiver 330 includes at least one image sensor 331 for determining the on-off mode and at least one optical detector for receiving the high-frequency optical signal. In order to determine the on-off mode, the image sensor is used to first detect the high-frequency optical signal 301 emitted from the optical signal transmitter 310. It should be noted that the term "detect" should be understood as "capture" or "determine the existence of...". The term "receive" should be understood as "obtain and determine the content of...".

[0141] Due to the limited frame rate of the image sensor 331, the image sensor 331 can at most detect (or capture) the presence of an optical signal (i.e., the mixed signal 301) emitted from the optical signal transmitter 310. However, since the optical signal is usually at a high frequency (much higher than the frame rate), the image sensor 331 cannot correctly determine the content (e.g., data) carried in the optical signal. According to the present disclosure, the mixed signal 301 includes multiple on periods and multiple off periods. Therefore, the image sensor is used to determine the on-off mode by attempting to detect whether a high-frequency optical signal is sent within a certain period of time (e.g., with the length T_s as the basic unit). In response to successfully detecting / capturing (or having detected / captured) a high-frequency optical signal within a certain period of time, the image sensor 331 may regard this period of time as one or more on periods. In response to not detecting / capturing a high-frequency optical signal within a certain period of time, the image sensor 331 may regard this period of time as one or more off periods. In this way, the on-off mode can be determined, and a low-frequency signal can be obtained. It should be noted that, as described above in conjunction with Figure 1 As described above, the low frequency (i.e., the second frequency) of the low frequency signal can be determined or indicated in advance. That is, the low frequency can be agreed upon in advance between the optical signal transmitter 310 and the optical signal receiver 330. Therefore, for example, based on the known low frequency, the optical signal receiver 330 can obtain (or be able to decode) the low-rate auxiliary information. Since the low-rate auxiliary information includes the ID of the optical signal transmitter 310, the optical signal receiver 330 can obtain the terminal ID.

[0142] The optical signal receiver 330 is also used to obtain the position information of the optical signal transmitter 310 through the image sensor 331. For example, the image sensor can be used to capture an image of the optical signal transmitter 310. That is, the optical signal receiver 330 can use object recognition technology (for example, based on machine learning technology) to infer the position information of the optical signal transmitter 310. Alternatively, the pixel area (hereinafter referred to as "illuminated pixel") in the image sensor that receives auxiliary information (or mixed signal) can be used to assist in the positioning of the optical signal transmitter 310. For example, the distance and / or depth information of the pixel area can be used as an additional input to infer the position information of the optical signal transmitter 310. The depth information of the pixel area can be referred to as the vertical distance from the plane of the image sensor 331 to the plane of the optical signal transmitter 310, or the vertical height between the image sensor 331 and the optical signal transmitter 310. For example, the more concentrated the illuminated pixels are, the closer the optical signal transmitter 310 may be to the image sensor 331.

[0143] Optionally, in the present disclosure, the image sensor 331 may also be used to capture sensory data associated with the high-frequency signal. Based on the sensory data (e.g., illuminated pixels, distances of illuminated pixels, and / or depth information), the optical signal receiver 330 may be used to obtain (e.g., infer) location information of the optical signal transmitter 310. In this way, the location information and the transmitter ID may be determined and associated based on the single mixed signal 301.

[0144] Optionally, the optical signal receiver 330 may also be used to obtain motion-related information of the optical signal transmitter 310 included in the auxiliary information.

[0145] Optionally, the optical signal receiver 330 can also be used to obtain the encryption key information of the optical signal transmitter 310 included in the auxiliary information, and perform encryption according to the encryption key information. The encryption key information can be, for example, the public key of the optical signal transmitter 310. The optical signal receiver 330 can be used to encrypt the communication or data in the downlink channel using the public key. Since the public key is provided by the optical signal transmitter 310, the optical signal transmitter 330 receiving the downlink communication can be used to decrypt the data using its own private key. In this way, encrypted communication can be performed according to the auxiliary information, thereby improving the security level of the OW communication.

[0146] Optionally, the optical signal receiver 330 may also be used to obtain one or more resource requests indicating one or more subsequent uplink data transmissions. Therefore, the optical signal transmitter 310 may freely (flexibly) determine the uplink resources by itself, and only needs to correctly indicate the corresponding resources to the optical signal receiver 330.

[0147] The optical signal receiver 330 also includes at least one optical detector 332 for receiving high-frequency optical signals. After the optical signal receiver 330 obtains the position information of the optical signal transmitter 310, the optical signal receiver 330 can be used to align the optical detector 332 with the position of the optical signal transmitter 310. The optical detector 332 is used to further receive the high-frequency optical signal according to the position information of the optical signal transmitter 310. In this way, line-of-sight communication can be established between the optical signal transmitter 310 and the receiver 330 (including the optical detector 332). In this way, the signal quality and the reliability of the OWC can be improved.

[0148] One aspect of the present disclosure further provides an optical wireless communication system 300, including at least one optical signal transmitter 310 (for example, as a terminal) and at least one optical signal receiver 330 (for example, as an OW AP), such as in combination with Figures 1 to 3 described.

[0149] Figure 4 An example of an optical signal transmitter 410 provided by the present disclosure is shown. Figures 1 to 4 The corresponding elements in may have the same features and functions. Figure 4 The optical signal transmitter 410 may correspond to the combination Figures 1 to 3 The optical signal transmitter.

[0150] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, the optical signal transmitter 410 may include a plurality of units, which are used to work together to transmit the mixed signal 401, such as Figures 1 to 3 The optical signal transmitter 410 may include optional FEC units 411 and 412. FEC stands for "forward error correction". The FEC units 411 and 412 may be used to perform EFC on low-rate auxiliary information and high-rate data, respectively. This may improve data reliability. It should be noted that although the FEC units 411 and 412 are Figure 4 4. Although shown as separate units in FIG. 4, this does not imply the actual number of FEC units included in the optical signal transmitter 410. The same / single FEC unit can be used to process both low-rate auxiliary information and high-rate data.

[0151] The optical signal transmitter 410 may further include a switch (ON / OFF) modulation unit 413 for modulating the auxiliary information into an on-off (ON / OFF) mode. The optical signal transmitter 410 may further include a modulation unit 414 for modulating the high-rate data. The modulation unit 414 may adopt any modulation scheme suitable for modulating the OWC data. Then, the (multi-wavelength) scheduler 415 of the optical signal transmitter 410 may combine the modulated high-rate data and the low-rate auxiliary information. If necessary, one or more optional virtual signals may be inserted (or filled) into one or more on periods. After acquiring the mixed signal 401, the optical signal transmitter may further include an optical driver and an illuminator 416 for transmitting the mixed signal 401 by turning on / off (or brightening / dimming) the relevant components accordingly.

[0152] Alternatively, if Figure 4 As shown, the mixed signal may include carriers of different wavelengths. For each carrier, a combination of Figures 1 to 3 The on / off mode described. That is, more than one high-frequency optical signal can be sent using different wavelengths. Carriers of different wavelengths can correspond to different on-off modes. Optionally, the optical signal transmitter 410 can be used to ensure that at least one carrier sends a corresponding high-frequency optical signal in any period of time. In this way, continuous data transmission can be ensured. Due to the on-off mode, data transmission through the OWC may not be substantially interrupted.

[0153] Figure 5 An example of an optical signal receiver 530 provided by the present disclosure is shown. Figures 1 to 5 The corresponding elements in may have the same features and functions. Figure 5 The optical signal transmitter 510 may correspond to the combination Figures 1 to 4 The optical signal transmitter. Figure 5 The optical signal receiver 530 may correspond to the combination Figures 1 to 4 The optical signal receiver. Figure 3 Similarly, the optical signal transmitter 510 and the optical signal receiver 530 may constitute the system 500 .

[0154] like Figure 5 As shown, the optical signal receiver 530 may include at least one image sensor (IS) 531 , at least one optical detector used as an AP 532 , and an optional sensing function unit 533 .

[0155] The optical signal receiver 530 can implement integrated sensing (positioning and identification) for auxiliary optical wireless communication. For example, the optical signal transmitter 510 sends a mixed signal, the image sensor 531 detects the mixed signal, and the AP 532 can also receive the mixed signal at the same time. The term "simultaneously" used in this article can be understood as that the image sensor 531 and the AP 532 can sense the same mixed signal at the same time in the same period of time. Both the image sensor 531 and the AP 532 can obtain relevant information based on the same mixed signal. There is no need to use separate signals to indicate auxiliary information and send high-rate data. It should be noted that Figure 4 The auxiliary information and the high-rate data are shown separately only from a functional perspective, and this should not be interpreted as the auxiliary information and the high-rate data being physically transmitted through independent signals. The same applies to the subsequent drawings.

[0156] The image sensor 531 can be used to sense the low-frequency signal of the optical signal transmitter 510, and (for example, through an optional decoding function unit) decode the terminal ID and other optional auxiliary information included therein. Alternatively, the decoding of the terminal ID and other optional auxiliary information can also be performed by the sensing function unit 533.

[0157] Optionally, when there are more than one image sensor 531 , 531 ′, the perception signals of the plurality of image sensors 531 , 531 ′ may be combined at the perception function unit 533 to improve decoding performance.

[0158] Based on the perception data of one or more image sensors 531, the perception function unit 533 can determine the position of the optical signal transmitter 510 (through the optional positioning function unit), and associate the position of each transmitter with the auxiliary information (including the corresponding terminal ID) it sends. Optionally, a multi-IS system can be used to perceive the optical signal transmitter 510 in 3D using parallax. Optionally, machine learning techniques can also be used for perception (under single IS and multi-IS).

[0159] The one or more locations and one or more IDs of the one or more optical signal transmitters may be further provided to a sensing application that uses the sensing results.

[0160] The sensing function unit 533 may also provide the location and assistance information of the transmitter to the AP 532. The AP 532 may utilize the location to establish and / or maintain a (line-of-sight) communication link with the identified transmitter, e.g., perform beam steering based on angle information and / or perform power control based on distance information.

[0161] If the auxiliary information is also capable of being decoded by the AP 532, the auxiliary information may be provided to the sensing function unit 533 to assist the identification and positioning process of the transmitter 510. That is, optionally, when the high-rate (high-speed) data carries the auxiliary information as a copy, the AP 532 may be operable to provide a copy of the auxiliary information to its sensing function unit 533 (e.g., a decoding function unit) for verification (correction if necessary).

[0162] The sensing function unit 533 may include a decoding (sub) function unit and a positioning (sub) function unit. The decoding function unit may be used to decode the auxiliary information and detect the pixel area receiving the information. The detection of the pixel area may be assisted by object recognition technology (e.g., image recognition based on machine learning). The pixel area is provided to the positioning function unit, which is used to calculate the position of the transmitter 510.

[0163] Optionally, in addition to the pixel area detected by the positioning function unit, the position of the transmitter 510 may also be calculated using distance or depth information of the image sensor.

[0164] In this way, the auxiliary information of the transmitter 510 and the position of the transmitter 510 can be acquired and associated. On the other hand, the AP 532 can simultaneously receive and decode the high-rate data carried in the mixed signal of the transmitter 510.

[0165] Figure 6 An example of a system 600 provided by the present disclosure is shown. Figures 1 to 6 The corresponding elements in the system 600 may have the same features and functions. The system 600 includes an optical signal transmitter 610 and an optical signal receiver 630. The system 600 may correspond to a combination of Figure 5 The system described. Figure 6 The optical signal transmitter 610 may correspond to the combination Figures 1 to 5 The optical signal transmitter. Figure 6 The optical signal receiver 630 may correspond to the combination Figures 1 to 5 The optical signal receiver.

[0166] In addition, the system 600 may further include one or more other image sensors 650. The one or more other image sensors 650 may be disposed at one or more different locations relative to the optical signal receiver 630.

[0167] In case the perception functional unit is integrated within the optical signal receiver 630, one or more other image sensors 650 can communicate with the optical signal receiver 630. In case the perception functional unit is remotely located in a server, one or more other image sensors 650 can communicate with the perception functional unit.

[0168] One or more other image sensors 650 can be used to detect auxiliary information and provide one or more images to the perception function unit. In this way, since one or more other image sensors 650 provide additional inputs, the perception performance can be further improved.

[0169] Figure 7 An RF antenna array provided by the present disclosure is shown.

[0170] Figure 7 The RF antenna array in includes one or more optical sensor groups. Each optical sensor group includes an image sensor (with or without an optical lens) and a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor. The RF antenna array can be integrated with an optical signal transmitter or connected to an optical signal transmitter. The RF antenna array can be used in an RF access point. In this way, OW and RF can be combined and integrated in the same system. The RF antenna can be used to sense data using a combination of one or more optical sensor groups to improve perception accuracy. Each optical sensor group can track multiple terminals. When the image sensor is equipped with an optical lens, various types of optical lenses can be used, such as wide-angle lenses, standard lenses, and telephoto lenses for sensing different ranges, angles, and objects. Optionally, the optical lens can change the focal length by positioning to focus on the tracked object (e.g., terminal). In this way, noise can be reduced and resolution can be improved. This further achieves better recognition and positioning.

[0171] Figure 8 An application scenario of the present disclosure is shown.

[0172] Figure 8 An example of an ISAC-OW network is shown. In the ISAC-OW network, one or more optical wireless access points (OW-APs) may be deployed to provide one or more high-speed data links (via optical communications) to one or more terminals. Optionally, the ISAC-OW may also include one or more RF APs for providing RF communications to one or more terminals, which terminals have RF communication capabilities. The ISAC-OW network also includes one or more OW sensors for performing terminal detection and positioning. One or more OW sensors may or may not be co-located with an access point. The location information determined by the OW sensor may be used to assist data communications (e.g., optical communications and / or RF communications) and / or may be provided to user applications where applicable.

[0173] Figure 7 The RF antenna array in Figure 8 , for example, the terminal may be equipped with an RF antenna array. Figure 8Various types of terminals are shown. Terminal 1 is an optical wireless terminal that can only perform OWC with an OW AP. Terminal 2 is a hybrid optical wireless terminal that can perform both OWC (with an OW AP) and RF communication (with an RF AP). Terminal 3 is an RF terminal that can only perform RF communication (with an RF AP). Terminal 3 also includes a lighting unit for sending auxiliary information to an RF AP, which is equipped with Figure 7 The RF antenna array shown. It can be seen that the auxiliary information carried by the on-off pattern of the optical signal can be applied to Terminals 1 to 3. The auxiliary information can help to achieve beam-based OW communication and / or RF communication.

[0174] In this way, a completely blind OW or RF beam search can be avoided. This can save resources and time for beam-based link establishment. In addition, the location of the terminal and auxiliary information including the terminal ID can be used to enhance beam tracking and power control.

[0175] In addition, the collocated optical sensor groups on the RF antenna array can improve the perception accuracy of multiple terminal positioning and enable anonymous positioning without a centralized controller, e.g. Figure 8 Anonymous positioning is achieved between the terminal 1 and the anonymous terminal.

[0176] Fig. 9 A diagram of a method 900 provided by the present disclosure is shown.

[0177] Method 900 is composed of Figures 1 to 8 The optical signal transmitter is executed. Method 900 is used to send a high-frequency optical signal in an optical wireless communication system. The high-frequency optical signal carries high-rate data at a first frequency. In order to send the high-frequency optical signal, the method includes the following steps:

[0178] Step 901: the optical signal transmitter determines an on-off pattern including a plurality of on periods and a plurality of off periods at a second frequency;

[0179] Step 902: the optical signal transmitter transmits the high-frequency optical signal during the on-period;

[0180] Step 903: The optical signal transmitter suspends sending the high-frequency optical signal during the disconnection period.

[0181] The first frequency is higher than the second frequency. The on-off pattern represents a low frequency signal carrying low rate auxiliary information, the auxiliary information including an identification of the optical signal transmitter.

[0182] From the above Figures 1 to 8From the perspective of the user equipment shown, the steps of method 900 may have the same functions and details. Therefore, the corresponding method implementation will not be described in detail here.

[0183] Fig.10 A diagram of a method 1000 provided by the present disclosure is shown.

[0184] Method 1000 consists of combining Figures 1 to 8 The optical signal receiver is executed. Method 1000 is used to receive a high-frequency optical signal in an optical wireless communication system. The method comprises the following steps:

[0185] Step 1001: at least one image sensor in an optical signal receiver detects a high-frequency optical signal emitted from an optical signal transmitter;

[0186] Step 1002: The at least one image sensor in the optical signal receiver determines an on-off pattern including a plurality of on periods and a plurality of off periods at a second frequency by the following operations: successfully detecting the high-frequency optical signal during the plurality of on periods, and not detecting the high-frequency optical signal during the plurality of off periods;

[0187] Step 1003: the optical signal receiver acquires a low-frequency signal carrying low-rate auxiliary information according to the on-off mode;

[0188] Step 1004: the optical signal receiver obtains the identifier of the optical signal transmitter included in the auxiliary information;

[0189] Step 1005: at least one optical detector in the optical signal receiver receives the high-frequency optical signal transmitted at a first frequency according to the identifier of the optical signal transmitter.

[0190] The first frequency is higher than the second frequency.

[0191] From the above Figures 1 to 8 From the perspective of the user equipment shown, the steps of method 1000 may have the same functions and details. Therefore, the corresponding method implementation will not be described in detail here.

[0192] In summary, various aspects and various implementations of the present disclosure are based on a mixed optical signal sent by an optical signal transmitter (e.g., a terminal). The mixed optical signal includes a plurality of on-periods and off-periods. During each on-period in the on-period, the optical signal transmitter is used to send a high-frequency signal (e.g., a signal modulated using a high frequency). During each off-period in the off-period, the optical signal transmitter is used to suspend sending (or not send) the high-frequency signal. The on-period and the off-period are at a low frequency lower than the frequency of the high-frequency signal. In this way, the envelope of the mixed optical signal constitutes an on-off pattern at a low frequency. The on-off pattern can be used to carry low-rate data, for example, low-rate auxiliary information, for purposes such as perception. The high-frequency signal sent during the on-period can be used to carry communication data for purposes such as high-speed communication.

[0193] In this way, a single optical signal transmitter can perform high-speed optical wireless communication and sensing using hybrid optical signals. In addition, optical wireless sensing and communication can be unified into a single system, and there is no need to equip two independent systems with redundant components for optical wireless sensing and communication respectively.

[0194] In addition, a completely blind optical wireless beam search can be avoided, which can save communication resources and time for beam-based link establishment. In addition, the low-rate auxiliary information can include the terminal ID, and the determined terminal location can be used to enhance beam tracking and power control.

[0195] In addition, the present disclosure can also be applied to RF communications, for example, beam-based RF communications, wherein a hybrid RF signal can be sent by an RF transmitter. Similar to a hybrid optical signal, the hybrid RF signal can include multiple on periods and multiple off periods. Other aspects of the hybrid RF signal and the RF transmitter can be similar to other aspects of the hybrid optical signal and the optical signal transmitter, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0196] It should be noted that each transmitter and receiver (as described above) of the present disclosure may include a processing circuit, and the processing circuit is used to respectively execute, perform or start the various corresponding operations described herein. The processing circuit may include hardware and software. The hardware may include analog circuits or digital circuits, or both analog circuits and digital circuits. The digital circuit may include components such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP) or a multi-purpose processor. The processing circuit includes one or more processors and a non-transient memory connected to the one or more processors. The non-transient memory may carry an executable program code, and when the executable program code is executed by the one or more processors, the executable program code causes the above-mentioned device to respectively execute, perform or start the operations or methods described herein.

[0197] The present disclosure has been described in conjunction with various examples and implementations. However, from a study of the drawings, the present disclosure, and the independent claims, other variations will be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in implementing the claimed subject matter. In the claims and in the specification, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the quantifiers "a" and "an" do not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several entities or items described in the claims. The listing of certain measures in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that a combination of these measures cannot be used in an advantageous implementation.

Claims

1. An optical signal transmitter (310) for an optical wireless communication system, the optical signal transmitter (310) being used to transmit a high-frequency optical signal (103) carrying high-rate data at a first frequency, in, In order to transmit the high-frequency optical signal (103), the optical signal transmitter (310) is used to determine an on-off pattern including a plurality of on periods and a plurality of off periods at a second frequency; sending the high-frequency optical signal (103) during the on-period; suspending the transmission of the high-frequency optical signal (103) during the disconnection period, wherein the first frequency is higher than the second frequency; The on-off pattern represents a low frequency signal (102) carrying low rate auxiliary information (104), the auxiliary information including an identification of the optical signal transmitter (310).

2. The optical signal transmitter (310) according to claim 1, wherein: The auxiliary information (104) includes one or more of the following: motion-related information of the optical signal transmitter; Encryption key information of the optical signal transmitter; Resource request.

3. The optical signal transmitter (310) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The optical signal transmitter (310) is further used to adjust the second frequency to adapt to the sampling rate of the image sensor (331) in the optical signal receiver (330) that receives the high-frequency optical signal (103).

4. The optical signal transmitter (310) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The optical signal transmitter (310) is further configured to transmit one or more virtual optical signals when no high-rate data is transmitted in one or more of the on-periods.

5. The optical signal transmitter (310) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The high frequency optical signal also carries a copy of the auxiliary information (104).

6. The optical signal transmitter (310) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The optical signal transmitter (310) is also used to modulate the auxiliary information (104) according to the on-off pattern.

7. The optical signal transmitter (310) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The optical signal transmitter (310) is used to transmit more than one high-frequency optical signal using carrier waves of different wavelengths, wherein the carrier waves of different wavelengths correspond to different on-off modes.

8. The optical signal transmitter (310) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The optical signal transmitter (310) is an optical wireless terminal.

9. An optical signal receiver (330) for an optical wireless communication system, wherein: The optical signal receiver (330) includes at least one optical detector (332) and at least one image sensor (331). The image sensor (331) is used to detect a high-frequency optical signal (103) emitted from an optical signal transmitter (310), and to determine an on-off pattern including a plurality of on-periods and a plurality of off-periods at a second frequency by the following operations: the high-frequency optical signal (103) is successfully detected during the plurality of on-periods, and the high-frequency optical signal (103) is not detected during the plurality of off-periods; The image sensor (331) is used to acquire a low-frequency signal (102) carrying low-rate auxiliary information (104) according to the on-off mode, acquire an identifier of the optical signal transmitter (310) included in the auxiliary information (104), and acquire position information of the optical signal transmitter (310); The optical detector (332) is used to receive the high-frequency optical signal (103) transmitted at a first frequency according to the identification and the position information of the optical signal transmitter (310), The first frequency is higher than the second frequency.

10. The optical signal receiver (330) according to claim 9, wherein: The optical signal receiver (330) is further used to obtain the motion-related information of the optical signal transmitter (310) included in the auxiliary information (104).

11. The optical signal receiver (330) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The optical signal receiver (330) is further configured to obtain encryption key information included in the auxiliary information (104), and perform encryption according to the encryption key information.

12. The optical signal receiver (330) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The optical signal receiver (330) is further used to obtain a resource request included in the auxiliary information, and receive other data according to the resource request.

13. The optical signal receiver (330) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: The optical signal receiver (330) is used to determine the second frequency according to a sampling rate of the image sensor (331).

14. The optical signal receiver (330) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein: The image sensor (331) is also used to capture sensory data associated with the high-frequency light signal (103); The optical signal receiver (330) is further used to obtain the position information of the optical signal transmitter according to the sensing data, and associate the position information with the identifier of the optical signal transmitter; The optical detector is further configured to receive the high-frequency optical signal (103) according to the position information of the optical signal transmitter.

15. The optical signal receiver (330) according to claim 14, wherein: The optical signal receiver (330) is further used to determine a pixel area in the image sensor (331) that receives the auxiliary information (104), and further determine the position information of the optical signal transmitter based on the pixel area.

16. The optical signal receiver (330) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The optical signal receiver (330) is also used to obtain the distance and / or depth information of the optical signal transmitter (310) from the image sensor (331), and further determine the position of the optical signal transmitter (310) based on the distance and / or the depth information.

17. The optical signal receiver (330) according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein: The optical signal receiver (330) is an optical wireless access point.

18. A method (900) for transmitting a high frequency optical signal in an optical wireless communication system, wherein: The high-frequency optical signal carries high-rate data at a first frequency. In order to send the high-frequency optical signal, the method comprises the following steps: The optical signal transmitter determines (901) an on-off pattern including a plurality of on periods and a plurality of off periods at a second frequency; The optical signal transmitter transmits (902) the high-frequency optical signal during the on-period; The optical signal transmitter suspends sending (903) the high-frequency optical signal during the disconnection period, wherein the first frequency is higher than the second frequency; The on-off pattern represents a low frequency signal carrying low rate auxiliary information, the auxiliary information including an identification of the optical signal transmitter.

19. A method (1000) for receiving a high frequency optical signal in an optical wireless communication system, wherein: The method comprises the following steps: At least one image sensor in the optical signal receiver detects (1001) a high-frequency optical signal emitted from the optical signal transmitter; The at least one image sensor in the optical signal receiver determines (1002) an on-off pattern at a second frequency including a plurality of on periods and a plurality of off periods by: successfully detecting the high frequency optical signal during the plurality of on periods, and not detecting the high frequency optical signal during the plurality of off periods; The optical signal receiver acquires (1003) a low frequency signal carrying low rate auxiliary information according to the on-off pattern; The optical signal receiver obtains the identifier of the optical signal transmitter included in the auxiliary information; At least one optical detector in the optical signal receiver receives (1004) the high-frequency optical signal transmitted at a first frequency according to the identification of the optical signal transmitter, The first frequency is higher than the second frequency.

20. A computer program product comprising instructions, wherein: When the program is executed by a computer, the instructions cause the computer to perform the method according to claim 18 or 19.

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